Original Hokusai drawing Sold

This important Hokusai drawing was previously in the Balthus and François collection, and by heritage came into the hands of the hands of the actual owner.

See contact information's on the right.

David Norden 

From Hokusai paintings and drawings  by Jack Hillier.

...Other drawings, more studied in their finish, but not designed for print or book illustration, seem to be what might be termed ‘presentation drawings’, the artist setting himself out to display to the full his draughtsman ship ,his virtuosity with the brush. 

Most of these are figures of a mature expressiveness that is more emotional in its appeal than the pure calligraphic brushwork of the ancient masters of Japan, and as moving to us as the drawings of Rembrandt with a reed pen. 

A fine series of drawings of this order is in the Freer Gallery, Smithsonian museum Washington D.C…

Letter to Freer- gallery Smithsonian Washington D.C

Dear Sir, Dear Madam,

As heritage we received from my father-in-law several Japanese paintings, woodprints and some drawings. One of those drawings is attributed to Hokusai. The text underneath refers to a book by Munishige Narazaki. To our surprise we found very much the same lady like the one on our drawing. The facial resemblance is quite the same. The  format is in the right direction to.

Through further investigations in literature we discovered that the drawings reproduced in this book are in fact in the collection of the Freer gallery in Washington D.C

You may find our nice Hokusai drawing and the one's in your possession and the text underneath included in this mail.

Because we have decided to sell this drawing we sincerely hope that she is genuine. Is it please possible to make contact with me on this, for us, important matter.

Yours sincerely,

S.M.

answer from Freer Gallery drawing Hokusai

katshushika hokusai (1760-1849) drawing sothebys London June 8 2000 lot 42

Hokusai drawing in collection Freer gallery Smithsonian